The Impact of Point of Care Tests in Early Diagnosis of Ruptured Ectopic Pregnancy in Emergency Department – A Case Report

Abstract

Pregnancy in which the fertilized egg gets implanted in a site other than the uterine cavity is called Ectopic Pregnancy, the most common site of implantation being the fallopian tube. Abdominal or pelvic pain in the first trimester with or without vaginal bleeding with a history of amenorrhea is the commonest presentation. A ruptured ectopic pregnancy is a feared complication that requires speedy diagnosis and management. Here we present a case of 35 years old female presenting with breathing difficulty, easy fatiguability, and giddiness with a history of two months of amenorrhea. On examination, the patient was hemodynamically unstable with a tense and rigid abdomen. Point-of-care urine pregnancy test and point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) had been essential in making the diagnosis of ruptured ectopic pregnancy in this patient. This case report reiterates the importance of Point-of-care tests such as UPT and POCUS in early diagnosis, resuscitation, and surgical intervention of Ruptured ectopic pregnancy, even in patients with atypical presentation.